breech

(brēc̸h; for vt. 1 bric̸h)

noun

  1. the buttocks; rump
  2. the lower or back part of a thing; specif.,
    1. the lower end of a pulley block
    2. the back end of the barrel of a gun

Origin: ME brech < OE brec, pl. of broc < IE base *bhreg-: see break

transitive verb

  1. to clothe with breeches
  2. to provide (a gun) with a breech

See breech in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The lower rear portion of the human trunk; the buttocks.
  2. a. A breech presentation or delivery.
    b. A fetus in breech presentation.
  3. breeches
    a. Knee breeches.
    b. Informal Trousers.
  4. The part of a firearm behind the barrel.
  5. The lower part of a pulley block.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English brech

Origin: , from Old English brēc

Origin: , pl. of brōc, leg covering, Gaulish brāca, hose, trousers

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